By Sebastian Sternik
BOB Ajisafe currently trains in Leeds and is looking for one more run in the pro game as he attempts to finish his career with a flourish.
“I just got the urge and the boxing bug to come back,” he said. “I felt good in training and felt fit, but I wanted to come back and finish off my career. Just finish it off and have no regrets at the end.”
Ajisafe was set to fight two years ago, but a suspension to his license prevented his comeback.
“It’s been like four or five years now,” he added. “I feel like it’s time. I’m ready to come back, I’m feeling good, I feel fit, I feel sharp.
“I’ve watched the landscape of boxing while I’ve been away. I feel like I’ve still got a lot left to offer. I’m still fresh and have a lot left in the tank.”
The Brit is a highly decorated boxer, first challenging for a title back in 2010 against Tony Bellew. Ajisafe came up short on the judges’ scorecards but went on to claim the English crown against Darren Stubbs a year later.
In 2014, Ajisafe defeated Dean Francis to claim the British title before knocking out Daniel Wanyonyi a year later to win the Commonwealth championship.
That victory earned Ajisafe a shot at world honours. In 2016, the Brit challenged Russia’s Umar Salamov for the IBO light-heavyweight title, but he came up short on the scorecards in Moscow.
Despite his age, Ajisafe is confident he can get back into title contention. He said: “I still believe I’m at that level. Championship level. Probably cruiserweight limit now, but I can still contend with anyone in the top 10. I’m confident.
“I’m looking for the British or European, things like that. So yeah, they’re definitely within my reach.”
When asked about a potential return date, the boxer added: “Hopefully before Christmas, if not, probably just after New Year. I’m speaking with my management now.
“We’re just gonna get the ball rolling, and I’m gonna go back and see the board and get everything back in place. Probably a few tune-ups, maybe one or two, just knock the dust off, and then go into a more substantial fight.”
